The Perfect 7-Day Itinerary for Southern Iceland

Iceland: the land of fire, ice, and some of the most amazing landscapes in the entire world.

After spending seven days touring the country, I can honestly say there is no other destination as beautiful, charming, hostile, and diverse as Iceland. One minute the sun is shining and the ocean mist is hitting your face from the edge of a cliff. Ten minutes later it’s cold, grey, and the snow from ancient glaciers is dancing around you. It’s easily one of the most awe-inspiring and magical places I have ever visited, and will likely ever visit.

If you’re planning a trip to Iceland, the Southern coast should be at the top of your to-do list. This stretch of coastline boasts a little bit of everything, from thermal baths to breathtaking waterfalls. This region quickly became one of my favourite, thanks to its diversity and strangely unique beauty.

Starting in Reykjavik, here is the perfect 7-day itinerary for everything you need to see and do in Southern Iceland.

Day One: Reykjavik and The Blue Lagoon

Chances are, you’ll land at the airport in Keflavík fairly early in the morning. From here, you have two ideal options that can be done in any order: Reykjavik, or the Blue Lagoon.

• The Blue Lagoon is geothermal spa located in the middle of a lava field just 20 minutes from the airport. Filled with beautiful, blue, mineral-rich water, this iconic landmark is known to help people with a number of skin conditions. The water is extremely warm and the views are fantastic, making it a really relaxing way to start or end your day. Just remember to wash your hair with conditioner before and after going into the pools, otherwise you’ll have hair troubles for the rest of your trip.
• Reykjavik, the capital city of Iceland and home to 90% of the country’s inhabitants, is a beautiful seaside city with endless possibilities. Give yourself a day (or two if you can) to explore the city, because there’s a lot to see. Some major checkpoints include the Hallgrímskirkja cathedral, the Harpa concert hall, the Sun Voyager sculpture, and, if you’re into it, the Icelandic Phallological Museum. There’s also a lot of food to try, so make sure you sample it all. Oh, and hot dogs… you must try the hot dogs!

Day Two: The Golden Circle

The Golden Circle has become a very popular route for tourists because it showcases so much in a relatively short period of time. Waterfalls, geysers, and volcanic lakes can all be seen in just one day, making it the perfect second day for your tour through Southern Iceland.

• Thingvellir National Park is the first stop along the Golden Circle and is located just 45 minutes from downtown Reykjavik. The amazing geology around the park stems from the fact that it’s sitting directly between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. A beautiful rift valley runs through the park, allowing you to see and walk right between the two plates.
• The Geysir Geothermal Area is located in the Haukadalur Valley, and it’s your next stop. This is where you can see Iceland’s volcanic activity up close and personal, with tons of steaming chimneys and bubbling pools everywhere. Mostly notably is the Great Geysir: the earliest documented geyser in all of Europe. While the original Geysir rarely erupts, its close friend, Stokkur, blows every ten minutes, so you’re sure to see at least one amazing eruption.
• Gullfoss Waterfall, the third stop along The Golden Circle, is arguably the most well-known waterfall in all of Iceland. Known for its powerful water, stunning layers, and frequent rainbows, this site is perfect for photos and sightseeing. Plus, regardless of when you visit, the falls are never any less impressive.

Day Three: Kerið, Seljalandsfoss, Skogafoss, and Hotel Ranga

This day is all about water; covering two of Iceland’s most photographed waterfalls, a volcanic lake, and a hotel sitting beside a famous salmon stream.

• Kerið is a stunning volcanic crater lake located just a few minutes outside the charming town of Selfoss. Take my advice and explore Selfoss first – the town is really adorable and will definitely leave you with some great photos. When you arrive at the crater, you’ll instantly be amazed by its size. Huge would be an understatement. Take your time exploring the lake and, if you’ve got the energy, hike around the entire perimeter. The views are outstanding the entire way around.
• Seljalandsfoss is next, and for this waterfall you will definitely need a raincoat. The fall’s claim to fame is hands down the fact that you can walk all around it, including behind it. It offers a unique 360 degree perspective that very few waterfalls in the world can provide, and if you’re lucky, you’ll spot a rainbow coming perfectly out of the top of the falls.
• Skogafoss waterfall might look a little familiar – it was the backdrop to one of the scenes in the film The Secret Life of Walter Mitty. This waterfall was one of my favourite stops in all of Iceland, which leads me to believe it might be for you as well. The shear power of the falls is somehow humbling, and you can feel the force of the water from the moment you arrive. Plus, the soothing hum of the water is enough to relax you for the entire trip.
• Hotel Ranga is a must visit lodge if you need somewhere to stay while visiting the South of Iceland. Everything about this hotel is magic: the food, the staff, the grounds… it’s like an Icelandic fairy tale. Amazingly, when you arrive at the hotel you can opt for a “Northern Lights wake up call”, so if the skies do decide to light up, you’ll be the first to know. The menu is phenomenal, featuring reindeer and puffin, plus the three hot tubs in the rear of the grounds will lull you to sleep after a long day of adventure.

Day Four: Dyrhólaey, Reynisfjara Beach, and Vik

After so many waterfalls, it’s nice to know that day four features more water – this time at the beaches of Southern Iceland.

• Dyrhólaey is a small peninsula just outside of Vik that overlooks the Atlantic Ocean and the famous black sand beach. This 120-metre high promenade is charming and unique, showcasing a massive archway in the centre that’s formed over years of crashing ocean water. Complete with a viewing platform and lighthouse, this site is a calming reminder of Iceland’s isolation.
• Reynisfjara Beach, also known as the Black Sand Beach, is a bizarre beach right beside the Dyrhólaey lighthouse. The first thing you’ll notice when you arrive is the sand – it’s black. And while that might sound underwhelming, trust me, it’s one of the coolest and beautiful things I’ve ever seen. Filled with endless photo possibilities, this beach boasts towering cliffs, strange basalt columns, lava formations, and blackened caves. And if that’s not enough, there are puffins! Be sure not to get too close to the water though, as a number of fatal accidents have occurred due to the strength and unforgiving nature of this stretch of sea.
• Vik is one of the most charming seafront villages in all of Iceland, not just the southern coast, so it’s definitely worth a visit. This village sits quietly below the Mýrdalsjökull glacier, so if you’re up for it, sign up for an afternoon tour of the ice caps. If you’re on the tired side, take the time to relax and walk around the village. The town’s church was built in 1929, making it a historic site that’s beautifully preserved in time, and the locals are extremely friendly, so be sure to get chatty.

Day Five: Fjaðrárgljúfur and Vatnajökull National Park (Svartifoss and Jökulsárlón)

Pushing onward to the ends of Southern Iceland you’ll start to notice the landscape shifts, becoming more and more dramatic. That’s probably why Fjaðrárgljúfur and Vatnajökull are so popular – they’re some of the most amazing sites, carved by years of intense weather and volcanic activity.

• Fjaðrárgljúfur is somewhat hard to explain, simply because it’s so vast it’s difficult to put into words. Essentially, it’s an ancient river canyon, dating back over two million years. The site has aged like a fine wine, getting better and better with time. Creeping moss covers the edges of the canyon that drops down dramatically into a blue and winding river that flows into the ocean. Waterfalls are dotted throughout the rock walls, making it a magical place to sit down and relax for a while. Be prepared for a bit of a hike – it’s by no means a long, maybe 15 minutes, but going up is steep, so take your time and bring good shoes
• Vatnajökull National Park is one of Iceland’s three national parks, covering over 14,000 square kilometers. By far one of the most diverse areas in Iceland, this is one place where you can see glacial ice and volcanic geothermal activity at the same time. While this park is technically creeping into the Eastern region of Iceland, it’s still on the Southern coast, so it must be part of your travels. Two of my favourite sites in this park included Svartifossl and Jökulsárlón.
  • Svartifoss is by far the most unique waterfall in Iceland, and when you visit you’ll see why. Water tumbles over ancient black basalt columns, making it look like a viking carved out a space just for the falls. Located in the Skaftafell wilderness area of the park, the waterfall is very easy to get to, but does involve about an hour of hiking.
  • Jökulsárlón is on the other end of the park, about half an hour drive from Svartifoss. Honestly, this is one of the most iconic landmarks in all of iceland. This glacier lagoon is a beautifully bright blue bay of icebergs and glacial water flowing from the monstrous Breiðamerkurjökull glacier. As one of the natural wonders of Iceland, this site is almost haunting, as the luminous icebergs float quietly and unmoving. If you’re lucky, you’ll even spot a few seals playing amongst the ice.

Day Six: Sólheimasandur and Eldhraun Lava Field

As you drive along the Southern coast of Iceland, you’ll notice one amazing natural beauty that’s slowly but surely taken over the landscape: moss! Along with a hike to a photogenic plane wreck, this day is filled with underrated Icelandic beauty.

• Sólheimasandur is one of the most famous site sites in all of Southern Iceland. In fact, if you’re researching or just looking at pictures of Iceland, you’ve probably already seen this landmark a dozen times. This epic plane wreck sits abandoned on the black sand beaches of the South coast. In 1973, the United States Navy DC plan ran out of fuel, forcing it to crash onto the beach. Fortunately, everyone survived, and it’s now the perfect place for photos with a sci-fi feel. Just as a heads up, the hike to this site is a bit of a trek, at just over an hour in each direction.
• The Eldhraun Lava Field is less so a single destination, and more so a stretch of land spanning out towards the village of Kirkjubaejarklaustur. So the good news is, you can’t miss it. This field is the largest lava flow in the world, created during the Laki eruption of the 1700s. The site is over 565 square kilometres, and the eruption itself had devastating effects on the wildlife of Iceland. Today, the craters are covered by Woolly Fringe Moss, making the landscape otherworldly and almost alien. Believe it or not, this is where the Apollo 11 crew came to train for their moonwalk, so it’s safe to say it’s pretty magical. Just be respectful when visiting this area as the moss is very sensitive. Once walked on, it takes decades to heal, so be careful not to destroy it.

Day Seven: Reykjavik

Because there’s so much to see and do in the capital, you’ll appreciate having a second day here for tours. From whale watching to horseback riding, there are hundreds of amazing tours and day trips offered from the capital, so it’s just a matter of choosing which one’s right for you.

• Whale Watching – Whales are all over Iceland, including the bays right outside of Reykjavik. Humpbacks, minke whales, and even dolphins are regularly seen on these tours, and trust me, there is nothing more amazing than getting up close and personal with these gentle giants.  
• Horseback Riding – Icelandic horses are like undoubtedly beautiful, so getting up close and personal with one is a memorable experience. A horseback riding tour really lets you connect with nature and the traditional way of old Icelanders.  
• Northern Lights Cruise – If you’re in Iceland, especially during the winter months, you’re going to want to try and chase the Northern Lights. The waters of Faxafloi Bay are perfect for chasing the dancing sky and tours leave right from the city making it really convenient for travellers.
• Ice Cave Expedition – Day trips to Iceland’s ice caves are definitely worth while for one of your days in the capital. The scenery is very dramatic and showcases the natural wonder of Iceland’s strange combination of what happens when fire and ice collide.
• Snowmobile Adventures – For the thrill seekers and adrenaline junkies in Iceland, a snowmobiling tour should definitely be on your list. There are tons of snowy destinations perfect for exploring on a snowmobile, such as the Langjökull glacier or in Snæfellsjökull National Park.

South Iceland Tours

If you’re ready to make Southern Iceland your new obsession, one of the easiest ways to make sure you don’t miss out on any of the must-see spots is by joining a group tour. You’ll be able to check everything off your list, and you won’t have to stress about organizing all your accommodation and meals!

After spending time in Iceland, exploring everything the country has to offer, I can confidently say it’s one of the most welcoming, beautiful, and inspiration countries in the world. Nowhere else will provide you with such a variety of experiences, otherworldly landscapes, and natural wonders of awe than this enchanting country. I’m already counting down the days until I get back on the plane and land in what’s now one of my favourite destinations in the world.